Birds of Baltimore and the Bay

You don’t have to go far to spot these birds!

Published June 21, 2017

Black-crowned night herons can be found year-round in wetlands around the Chesapeake Bay region. They create their nests in wetland areas, where they catch small amphibians and crustaceans for food. You won’t be able to see any during the day, though! Like their name suggests, black-crowned night herons are only active around dusk or at night.

Red-winged blackbirds are one of the most common bird species in North America. They can be found in Baltimore year-round, eating insects, plants and seeds. Look for red-winged blackbirds in reeds or bushes near bodies of water!

Orioles do more than play baseball in Baltimore! They can also be found flying around the city during the spring and summer. They like to eat fruit, insects and nectar. If you look up toward leafy trees or find yourself along a forest edge, you just may see an oriole.

Do you want to see more of these birds around Baltimore or even in your own backyard? Plant gardens full of trees and plants that are native to your area so local birds have plenty of food. Or, set up boxes and platforms for birds to build their nests on.